Hong Kong director Stanley Kwan's "Everlasting Regret" made its debut
in Hong Kong on Tuesday, with a galaxy of celebrities attending the
premiere.
"It took about two years to make this production,
from the script preparation in 2003 to the Venice International Film
Festival early this month. The cast is brilliant. I really love this
movie," said Sammi Cheng, who plays the main protagonist
Wang Qiyao.
The movie was adapted from a novel named "Changhen
Ge" by Wang Anyi. The story tracks a legendary beauty through four decades
of upheaval
in
China, reflected in the changes in her beloved Shanghai — a center of art,
literature and style in the 1930s buffeted by the social changes.
Shanghai in the 1930s is glamorous and seductive. A pretty young girl
from an ordinary family, Wang is lucky enough to come third in the "Miss
Shanghai"contest.
Mr. Cheng, Wang's admirer knows the girl is going to
live an extraordinary life. In 1948, Officer Li keeps her as his lover.
She accompanies him through dangerous situations, and believes she can
spend the rest of her life with. But one day, he disappears and does not
return.
In 1956, Wang begins to live a simple life. But the peace is broken
when a rich young man Ming, shows up. When Qiyao finally makes a decision
to marry him, Ming leaves her. Wang is alone again.
The technique places a lot of responsibility on the actors,
particularly Sammi Cheng. "It was a really demanding role requiring a
portrayal of the whole life of the character ranging from 10 years old to
50," said Cheng.
The movie, supervised by Jackie Chan, with William Chang as the art
director, begins to screen on the mainland from Sept. 29.
(CRI) |